Knife crime ‘should be declared an epidemic’

AN MP says the government needs to declare knife crime an epidemic and do more to tackle the root causes behind it.

Claudia Webbe, pictured, spoke out after Racitalal was convicted of a string of random violent attacks in the city.

Speaking ahead of the sentencing yesterday, the Leicester East MP said: “It is beyond comprehension as to why anyone would attempt to kill vulnerable and defenceless victims and especially children as young as five and 10 years of age.

“These incidents brought shock and fear to our communities of Belgrave and Leicester East.

“The ruling is an important delivery of justice and a demonstration we can never accept violence or hate on the streets of Leicester.

“The swift actions of police and our emergency services were exemplary throughout.

“My thoughts remain with the victims, their families and their loved ones. It is a miracle that nobody died from these unspeakable attacks.

“Nobody should be forced to endure such a horrific attack and I hope the unanimous guilty verdicts on four attempted murder charges will bring some sense of closure and healing.

“I am particularly concerned that many of these attacks were made with a knife.

“Knife and violent crime continues to rise in Leicester and across the UK. The government must declare knife crime an epidemic.

“Crime thrives amid poverty and lack of opportunity and we need serious investment, including increased support for mental health, in every community to stem the growth of and stop knife crime.”